Vegetable Oil Based Inks

A smart environmental choice made possible by our friends at Ink Systems, Inc.

Customers who wish to use environmentally-friendly materials and processes for their printed products invariably ask about the use of soy-based inks. Here are some of the salient facts about soy inks – as well as some popular misconceptions – that should be understood when requesting their usage for your printed materials:

Soy inks are not 100% soy

A common misconception is that these inks are or near 100% soy content, making them virtually edible. In fact there is a relatively small percentage of the ink formula that is actually soybean oil.

Soy inks are classified as such based on specifications set forth by the American Soy Bean Association (ASA). With the help of ink manufacturers, the ASA has established parameters for several major types of printing inks based on their soy content:

Soy inks offer excellent printability

The latest soy ink formulas offer the best of both worlds: environment-friendly chemistry with outstanding printing properties. John Roberts’ in-house ink supplier, Ink Systems, Inc., manufactures a soy-based ink using a mixture of vegetable oils – a naturally renewable resource that can be replanted and harvested year after year.

The partnership of John Roberts and Ink Systems places a priority on offering customers industry-leading ink technology, environmentally and lithographically.